Colchester Planning Portal: Applying for Planning Permission
The Colchester Planning Portal is the official online system for submitting, managing, and tracking planning applications within the Colchester area. Built for ease of use, it allows applicants to upload supporting documents, track progress, search for applications, and submit comments during public consultation periods.
To improve your chances of approval and meet Essex County Council’s environmental standards, it is best to seek ecological advice at the earliest stage. Collington Winter offers expert consultancy to guide you through every step of the process.
Using the Colchester Planning Portal
Prepare your application
Before you submit a planning application, you should gather all the necessary information and documents, such as:
- Completed application forms (downloadable from the Colchester Planning Portal)
- Accurate site location and elevations
- Supporting documents, like design and access statements
- Ecological surveys, impact assessments, and mitigation plans
Submit your application
Once your application is complete, submit it via the portal. You will receive confirmation and a reference number to track its progress.
Public access and consultation
After submission, your application will appear on the public register, allowing residents and stakeholders to view and comment during the consultation period.
Application review
Planning officers will assess your proposal against local policies and national planning guidance. You may be asked to make amendments if issues are identified.
Decision
A decision will be made either by a planning officer or a planning committee, depending on the size and scope of the development.
Ecological Services to Support Your Application
- Ecological Surveys – Most projects begin with a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) to identify habitats, potential protected species, and ecological constraints.
- Protected Species Assessment – If species such as bats, badgers, great crested newts, reptiles, or nesting birds are found, we carry out targeted surveys in line with UK and European legislation.
- Tree surveys – For tress, especially those with Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), we assess condition, root protection zones, and make recommendations for retention or removal.
- Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) – Developments must meet the 10% biodiversity target set by the Environment Act 2021. We measure biodiversity and create plans to achieve compliance.
- Landscape Surveys – Assessing how your project may affect the visual and ecological character of the area.
- Ecological Clerk of Works – On-site ecological supervision during construction to ensure compliance with all agreed measures.
How can Collington Winter assist?
We provide tailored ecological consultancy to ensure your project complies with both planning and environmental requirements. Our team delivers thorough assessments, practical advice, and ongoing support from start to finish.
Call us on 01204939604, email info@collingtonwinter.co.uk, or use the contact form below to speak with one of our specialists.
Contact Us
Registered Address
23 Bark Street East, 1st Floor, Bolton, BL1 2BQ
Cambridge Office
Future Business Centre, Cambridge Campus, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2HY
Leicester Office
Rutland House, 23-25 Friar Lane, Leicester, LE1 5QQ
Bristol Office
Newminster House, 27-29 Baldwin Street, Bristol, BS1 1LT
Telephone
Head Office: 01204 939 608
Dumfries Office: 01387 378208
